~:[CH14 - Day 140]:~ Sleepless Nights

 
~:[CH14 - Day 140]:~ Sleepless Nights

With the power outage last night, it meant that I would get a little less sleep. I set an alarm to wake up when the power was projected to come on and when I woke up, I was able to get the work. Although I did get to sleep a bit, I am the type of person who cannot sleep well unless everything is finished before I got to sleep. Regardless, I had enough energy to make it through the day, as I wrapped up the senior letters, I began finished up the track banquet prep, then headed back to school for the banquet. By night's end, I smiled knowing that I had survived. With all the delays and setbacks, I had a few less hours to sleep the past few weeks, but still yet, those hours of struggle paid off. To see the smile on the faces of those who attended and even to be thanked for putting together the video, all the effort feels like it was an investment, rather than time spent. For the things we love, we're willing to put in those long hours and sleepless nights. Appreciation brings motivation and I hope that in our lives, we can all appreciate the work that others put in, so they can stay motivated to work harder. My MUN students are some of the hardest working students in the school. As I hear about all the school they got accepted to from Stanford to Carnegie Melon and all the UCs among others, I think about all the work that they've put in over the years and how, taking the time to appreciate them is something that I know can keep them going as well. As easy as it could be to just let this opportunity pass on by, the banquet is my final "thank you" to the senior and all the students in the program, in appreciation of all their sleepless nights as well. 

~:[CH14 - Day 139]:~ Even When Disaster Strikes

 
~:[CH14 - Day 139]:~ Even When Disaster Strikes

It was the worst case scenario. I got a lot of work done through the day and was on pace for an early finish. I came home and got straight to editing and was down to my final song. Poof. The lights went out. We've had this before so I figured in an hour or two, things would be back to normal, seven hours later, it was still the same. I gave up and headed to bed after doing a few tasks I could do without any electricity. It was a bit overwhelming as I sat in the dark eating chili from a can. It felt a bit apocalyptic as I was eating canned food in the dark. I ranted a bit, then did some editing on a project I was planning to do later to keep my mind off of things. I seat my alarm for 3am and then headed to bed. I was hoping that things would work on out in the end, but when disaster strikes, you just make due. I figured out a plan for what to do in case I couldn't finish and then I went to bed, knowing I just had to wait it out. The timing couldn't have been any worse, as it was the day before the banquet, but there's really nothing that I could do, but wait. When disaster strikes, do what you can and after that, just pray and hope that things will work out or someone can help you make it through. I was happy to have so many people offer their help to me. I ended up declining every offer, but glad to know the support circles I have around me. As I ponder if I'll be able to get everything done, I'll go to sleep without the anxiety as I've already accepted the fact that there is only so much I can do. Let fate decide what lies ahead tomorrow and beyond. 

~:[CH14 - Day 138]:~ Taxing, Yet Fulfilling

 
~:[CH14 - Day 138]:~ Taxing, Yet Fulfilling

Banquet prep paralleled my day today; taxing, yet fulfilling. I love putting on a banquet for the students, as they deserve to be celebrated for all of their hard work, but I have to say, it's a pain to put on. especially when they are back-to-back. With school ending in May now, it gives us a very small window between APs and finals to host an event and thus, they're crunched together. I've been prepping for the past few weeks, organizing files, ordering and planning. I've always thought of my job as an event planner, as at least once a month, there is some kind of event going on. If I had to go back and do it all over again, I may have rethought my schedule today. With what I had to do for the banquets, I should have kept a lighter Sunday schedule as I was a little ambitious on what I thought I could finish on Saturday. With tech delays and other issues, my workload was a lot heavier than anticipated. After Japanese class, I wrapped up a few edits, then headed to the first performance of the day. It was a little nostalgic being in the Westminster Mall, but sad at the same time, seeing what it had become. It was cool that it was being used for something like this, as the mall was packed and buzzing. After a great performance, I rushed home and edited for about an hour, before heading to Long Beach for my second event. It was cool to see the young talent perform along with a family band to wrap it up. I'll be connecting with them again at an event in Japan, thus I decided to cover this event as well. I thought about staying home, but glad that I didn't despite the time that I spent. I headed home and got right to editing. My body was tired and I didn't quite get to where I wanted to be, but all the time I put in today was worth it. It was worth it to do all the work to put on a good event and it was worth it to take the time to capture some wonderful moments. Next week, I'll be able to enjoy a less stressful week and thus, I just need to focus in on the tax at hand and enjoy the fulfillment at the end of the day for all of the hard work. Hope you have a wonderful week!

~:[CH14 - Day 137]:~ I'll Take It

 
~:[CH14 - Day 137]:~ I'll Take It

The Angels stink this season. Although they have had moments where there was a glimmer of hope, for the most part, even with their hot start to the season, it wasn't a surprise where we were. However, sometimes, when you're in a slump or at your worst, things just fall into place. Take it. When opportunity comes you way, don't dismiss it, but grasp it and don't let go of it. Maybe it will amount to nothing, but in a season that has seen struggles, the Angels reeled off two wins against the Dodgers. Could it be a sign of life? I won't get my hopes up, but I'll take it. Even when things seem hopeless, keep that hope. I think in any given situation, I've learned to never give up hope. At times, maybe it makes me look like a fool, but I rather be a fool that someone who gives up before the finish line. I think it's an important lesson to finish what you started. Obviously, in some cases, there is no way you can do it, but in most scenarios, it's possible, we just don't want to follow through. As I listen to the chatter of the students around me, I hear them talking about how they don't want to do something because they're not good at it or the others are just too good. In my mind, I am thinking, why not challenge yourself. It's refreshing to hear that student ready to take on a challenge, as even if they fall short, they gave it their best shot. I think of the Olympians from from some countries who finish way behind the others, but they are the only or one of a few, representatives of their country. That's a victory. Most people take on the task of running a marathon. Almost none of them have a chance of winning it, but they take on the task knowing that it's an accomplishment. I hope that we take that mindset that we should be happy participating, competing, and finishing. Every once in awhile, a victory may come your way, but in reality, every time you challenge yourself, you should consider it a victory. 

~:[CH14 - Day 136]:~ Protect What is Precious

 
~:[CH14 - Day 136]:~ Protect What is Precious

It's been a busy week prepping for the banquets upcoming next week, but it was nice to take a little bit of time to enjoy time with my family. I headed over to Stowers for their International Festival that they hold every year. I think one of the cool things about the school is their dual emersion program with Mandarin. My nephew is learning languages at an age that you can actually retain it and retain it he does. I think the school has had a profound impact on him in regards to a worldly view. He knows all the countries in the world and is able to draw the flags as well, mostly from memory. As much joy as their was at the event, there was a sadness looming overhead as it was announced that the school could possibly close in a few years with changes going on at the district. This announcement came out of left field, just a few days before the board meeting to discuss it. With many concerned, I know there will be many voices raised to protect what is precious. I think schools and programs like this are things that need to be looked at. I always teach my students that you need to use your voice when you want to protect something precious to you, no matter what it is and this is no different. I hope that the voices of those who want to protect this wonderful school are heard and solution can be reached. We never know what the future will hold, but with tumultuous times bound to come our way in the future, I hope we do everything we can to protect what is precious to us. 

~:[CH14 - Day 135]:~ As We Begin to Look Back

 
~:[CH14 - Day 135]:~ As We Begin to Look Back

With only one week to go for the seniors, we began giving our senior closing speeches. Almost every year for the past few years, I've had the seniors give a closing speech to archive. It's cool to see them look back on their four years and to see how they've grown over that time. I think MUN students tend to see the most growth, as the amount of confidence they gain over their three or four years is quite impressive. It was nice to hear them talk about all their memories, to discuss what their hopes for the future are, and to hear what they will miss most about high school. With everything flying by as we close out the year, it was nice to slow down a bit an enjoy this "conversation," allowing each one of them to say their goodbye. It's amazing how quickly time has flown by, but it's already four years later and this class is ready to spread their wings into the future. 

~:[CH14 - Day 134]:~ One Day ...

 
~:[CH14 - Day 134]:~ One Day ...

It's been nice to get some business done the past few days. From events to Pokemon, I'm trying to do some last minute wheeling and dealing before summer. In my preparation for it all, I headed to PSA to get some grading done for a few fabulous pulls that I had. Of course, my head turned when I walked in to this magnificent card that I've always wanted to get for my nephew. Of course, it's quite a bit pricey, so it's a probably, not in my lifetime card, but still, it's cool to look at it in person. At times, there are things in life that you say, it will never happen, but who knows, if luck is on your side, things might just fall into place. With my wheeling and dealing these past few weeks, I always wondering if one of these events will produce something I could never have imagined. You really never know, but you just move through your days thinking that maybe one day, that great opportunity will come. Life is built for us to dream. While we should always be grounded in reality, in order to achieve greater things, we can't forget to dream of the "what ifs" so that one day, our dreams might just come true.

~:[CH14 - Day 133]:~ Why Not?

 
~:[CH14 - Day 133]:~ Why Not?

It has been difficult these past few days. I injured myself on Sunday and since then, it's been hard to sleep and move around. While I feel it's not as bad as I originally thought it could be, it still has been a hindrance to simply walk around and even sit. I sat with an ice pack most of the night and day in hopes that it would help. It has helped a bit, but not as much as I would have hoped. With my leg, I passed on taking photos yesterday and almost did again today. It was feeling better and I thought tonight would be one not to miss, so I said, why not? I headed out to Sunset and arrived at the show. It was an interesting setup where random people get together to play a song together and just jam out. I came to the show because there was a Japanese drumming sensation who was joining the event. She has great skills on the drums and I wanted to be there to capture some of these performances. While my spot was good for a lot of the photos for the evening, when it came to the drums, there were much better locations. I moved around and ended up on the stairs, which, even as a photographer, I could only be on for a short time. I got some shots, but didn't quite find the shot I was hoping for. As while an elevated stage is great to see the drums, it's always harder to see the drummer unless you're at a higher angle. Regardless, I enjoyed the night and left with a few shots that I was happy with. My leg didn't feel any different, so it was a win in my book, but I knew that tomorrow, I would be exhausted from being out late, as I forgot it was a school night when I agreed to this. In the end, it's always cool to be at these events capturing the moments, as aside from just the photographs themselves, you also gain a lot of connections that may take you to places you never expected. Sometimes, even when all the signs point to no, sometimes it's good to just say, "why not?"

~:[CH14 - Day 132]:~ Tactical

 
~:[CH14 - Day 132]:~ Tactical

It's fun to watch the students organize their presentations as it shows me what they have picked up from my teaching, as well as showing their creative styles. One thing I enjoyed watching was a group that presented and had the students negotiate with each other. It was a bit of sabotaging going on in the game, but I think learning to try to figure out truth from not is important, not just in MUN, but in life. Regardless, it was great to see the tactical way they approached the discussion and to see all their presentations over the past week. It's a weird feeling as we wrap up everything, but it's also kind of cool to see how much things have changed over the year. As another chapter begins to close, I am already looking forward to what's in store for the next chapter. No matter what's ahead, I know that I am ready and after this past week, I know that my students are armoring themselves for the path that lies ahead.

~:[CH14 - Day 131]:~ In Need of Stability

 
~:[CH14 - Day 131]:~ In Need of Stability

It was quite a strange day. I set a late alarm and went to help a friend after eating breakfast. He was picking something up in the area and so I helped him out. While doing so, one of the pipes sprayed us both and surprised us. It wasn't long before it was taken care of, but soon thereafter, we were loading the van and I lifted a little awkwardly, leaving me with a pain for the remainder of the day. From delays to spilling my drink on the ground and even arriving late to my Japanese class, it was a day full of mishaps. As I cooked dinner, I boiled the potatoes too long, but it wasn't long after that things began to stabilize. The dinner came out good and I thoroughly enjoyed the Shiitaki mushrooms I made. Of course, when all things are in chaos and I am looking for stability, there has always been my mom. Going above and beyond, my mom has always been there, willing to sacrifice, staying up late to help with this or that, or doing whatever she could to make sure we were supported. She gave us the freedom to learn and grow, while being a safety net when we took on a bit too much or faltered in the process. Whenever we needed stability in our lives, my mom was there. I am not sure if it was a coincidence that in a day where everything went wrong, our celebration for our mom was the only thing that went right. As while I hope we can do it everyday, I hope today especially, we had a chance to thank our mothers or mom-like people in our lives for all that they've done to contribute to our lives. As while the storms of life may threaten to bring us down, they are the ones who have served as a foundation to keep us afloat even when the floods threaten to wash us away. Thank you to my wonderful mom and all the amazing mothers out there for all that you do!